willow pattern

American  

noun

1. a decorative design in English ceramics, depicting chiefly a willow tree, small bridge, and two birds, derived from Chinese sources and introduced in approximately 1780: often executed in blue and white but sometimes in red and white.

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willow pattern British  

noun

1. 1. a pattern incorporating a willow tree, river, bridge, and figures, typically in blue on a white ground, used on pottery and porcelain

   2. ( as modifier )

      a willow-pattern plate

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Etymology

Origin of willow pattern

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

To Sigismond Septimus Snobb, the large willow pattern plate, for the best model of a national water-butt, to be erected in the Teetotalers’ Hall of Temperance in the Water-loo Road.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, December 18, 1841 by Various

You saw the shining of pure white damask, the flashing of silver, a flower-bed of blue willow pattern cups, an enormous pink and white cake.

From Mary Olivier: a Life by Sinclair, May

In the little dining-room, conscientiously “quaint” with its spotted crockery dogs and corner cupboard shining with willow pattern tea-cups, Milly shut the door and turned on her friend.

From Man and Maid by Nesbit, E. (Edith)

Ruby Kingsley.—We cannot continue giving space for repeating the story of the willow pattern.

From The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. VIII, No. 355, October 16, 1886 by Peters, Charles

There was an immense empty pie dish of blue willow pattern, and a large carving knife and fork, and a chopper.

From The Great Big Treasury of Beatrix Potter by Potter, Beatrix